có thể

Friendly

The Vietnamese word "có thể" is a versatile phrase that translates to "can," "may," "to be possible," or "to be able to" in English. It is used to express possibility, capability, or permission in various contexts.

Usage Instructions:

1. Expressing Ability: Use "có thể" to indicate that someone has the ability to do something.

   • Example: "Tôi có thể bơi." (I can swim.)

2. Expressing Possibility: Use "có thể" to suggest that something might happen or is likely to happen.

   • Example: "Rất có thể hôm nay trời mưa." (It is quite possible that it will rain today.)

3. Giving Permission: Use "có thể" to allow someone to do something.

   • Example: "Xong rồi, anh có thể về." (It’s done, you may go home.)

Advanced Usage:

• "Có thể" can be combined with adverbs to express varying degrees of possibility or ability.
  • Example: "Có thể là như vậy." (It is probably so.)
  • Example: "Cố gắng hết sức trong phạm vi có thể." (Try as best as one can, to try the best of one's capacity.)

Word Variants:

• "Có khả năng" is another phrase that also means "to be able to" or "to have the ability to."
• "Có thể" can be used in different tenses depending on the context, but it generally maintains its meaning.

Different Meanings:

• "Có thể" can convey a sense of uncertainty when talking about future events or outcomes.
  • Example: "Việc ấy có thể làm." (That is quite possible to do.)

Synonyms:

• "Có khả năng" (to have the ability)
• "Có thể xảy ra" (to be possible to happen)
• "Có thể làm" (to be able to do)

Summary:

In summary, "có thể" is a fundamental expression in Vietnamese that allows speakers to discuss ability, possibility, and permission.

Academic

1. Can, may, to be possible, to be able to
   • đoàn kết mọi lực lượng có thể đoàn kết
     to unite all forces that can be united
   • xong rồi, anh có thể về
     it's done, you may go home
   • cố gắng hết sức trong phạm vi có thể
     to try as best as one can, to try the best of one's capacity
   • việc ấy có thể làm
     that is quite possible
2. Probable, possible
   • rất có thể hôm nay trời mưa
     it is quite possible that it will rain today
   • có thể là như vậy
     it is probably so